Conservation detection dogs: A critical review of efficacy and methodology

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Conservation detection dogs (CDD) use their exceptional olfactory abilities to assist a wide range of conservation projects through the target specimens or species. CDD are generally quicker, can cover wider areas and find more samples than humans other analytical tools. However, efficacy varies between studies; methodological procedural standardisation in field is lacking. Considering cost deploying team limited financial resources within conservation, it vital that performance quantified reliable. This review aims summarise what currently known about scent elucidate which factors affect efficacy. We describe across species situational contexts like training fieldwork. Reported sensitivities (i.e. proportion found out total available) ranged from 23.8% 100% precision rates alerts true positives) 27% 100%. consistently shown be better techniques, but substantially literature. There no consistent difference training, testing fieldwork, hence we need understand affecting this. highlight key variables alter performance. External effects include odour, methods, sample management, search methodology, environment handler. Internal dog breed, personality, diet, age health. Unfortunately, much research fails provide adequate information on dogs, handlers, experience samples. results an inability determine precisely why individual study has high low It clear CDDs effective applied possibly limitless scenarios, moving forward researchers must detailed methodologies so comparisons conducted, easily replicated progress made standardising work.

Language: Английский

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A framework to integrate innovations in invasion science for proactive management

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 97(4), P. 1712 - 1735

Published: April 22, 2022

ABSTRACT Invasive alien species (IAS) are a rising threat to biodiversity, national security, and regional economies, with impacts in the hundreds of billions U.S. dollars annually. Proactive or predictive approaches guided by scientific knowledge essential keeping pace growing invasions under climate change. Although rapid development diverse technologies has produced tools potential greatly accelerate invasion research management, innovation far outpaced implementation coordination. Technological methodological syntheses urgently needed close gap facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration synergy among evolving disciplines. A broad review is necessary demonstrate utility relevance work fields generate actionable science for ongoing crisis. Here, we such advances relevant including remote sensing, epidemiology, big data analytics, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, genomics, others, present generalized framework distilling existing emerging into products proactive IAS management. This integrated workflow provides pathway scientists practitioners disciplines contribute applied biology coordinated, synergistic, scalable manner.

Language: Английский

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The impact of canine African trypanosomiasis in anti-poaching dogs in the Republic of Zambia

Veterinary Parasitology Regional Studies and Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 59, P. 101231 - 101231

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Recommendations for the use of conservation detection dogs in seabird research: a thematic analysis

Seabird Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 36

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Conservation detection dog handler teams (CDDHTs) offer many potential benefits to the world of conservation. Seabird populations are an important component marine ecosystems. However, they threatened by several anthropogenic activities, including introduction invasive species. Although CDDHT can support seabird conservation through species management efforts and population assessments, under-utilised. A lack methodological standardisation within work under-publishing their use research leads difficulties in conducting new seabird-related studies due inability learn from previous research. This study aimed address these shortcomings investigating techniques methods used those actively working with, or planning on a project better understand them, propose best practices field. Seven professionals who have used, will use, as part (four handlers, three ecologists/researchers) participated structured written surveys which were thematically analysed. Five superordinate themes emerged survey data: Training, Location, Role Handler, Wildlife Considerations, Dog Selection Criteria, with first two having subordinate themes. summary was developed findings, notable recommendations preparation across all elements, networking other professionals, making judgments like discrimination field trials based specific dog(s). These results serve benefit future involving well supporting development

Language: Английский

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Investigating individual learning behaviour of dogs during a yes/no detection task

Behavioural Processes, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 217, P. 105030 - 105030

Published: April 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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Barking up which tree? Characterizing farmers, farms, and a behavioral framework regarding livestock guardian dog use in South Africa

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 288, P. 110344 - 110344

Published: Nov. 9, 2023

Livestock guardian dogs are one of several predator control methods employed by livestock farmers around the world, but little is known about factors that predict their use. Here we aim to understand dimensions which influence dog use farmers. In a quantitative survey among 113 in South Africa, using Boosted Regression Trees, explored and characterized associated with We showed practical (e.g., type, number farming enterprises, mitigation methods, frequency extent specific problems) were more likely be significant determinants than sociodemographic factors. However, psychosocial constructs relating wildlife value orientations, empathy for predators, tolerance tangible intangible cost, benefits like or dislike positive experiences, also Utilizing foundational Theory Planned Behavior (TPB) Wildlife Tolerance Model (WTM) built upon these findings show attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral explained 49 % variance intention continue dog. The relationship between attitude intent had less association either norms had. Nonetheless, was most strongly belief non-governmental organization, mutualistic Value Orientations perceptions affordability, ease effectiveness dogs. TPB model, incorporating elements WTM, provides framework guide improve adoption programs other intervention strategies within conservation contexts.

Language: Английский

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Development of novel microsatellite markers to analyze the genetic structure of dog populations in Taiwan

Animal Bioscience, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 35(9), P. 1314 - 1326

Published: March 1, 2022

Alongside the rise of animal-protection awareness in Taiwan, public has been paying more attention to dog genetic deficiencies due inbreeding pet market. The goal this study was isolate novel microsatellite markers for monitoring structure domestic populations Taiwan.A total 113 DNA samples from three breeds-beagles (BEs), bichons (BIs), and schnauzers (SCs)-were used subsequent polymorphic tests applying 14 that were isolated study.The results showed high level diversity observed these provided strong discriminatory power. estimated probability identity (P(ID)) among sibs (P(ID)sib) 1.7×10-12 1.6×10-5, respectively. Furthermore, power exclusion 99.98%. neighbor-joining trees constructed breeds indicated sets sufficient correctly cluster BEs, BIs, SCs. principal coordinate analysis plot dogs could be accurately separated by loci based on different breeds; moreover, Beagles sources also distinguished. first, second, third coordinates explain 44.15%, 26.35%, 19.97% variation.The enable powerful Taiwan.

Language: Английский

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